Defense of Doctoral Thesis on the Socioeconomic Impact of the Chilean University System
On January 7, 2026, at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Valencia, the defense of the doctoral thesis "Socioeconomic contributions of the university system in Chile" was held, presented by Meritxell Calbet Montcusí, a doctoral student in the doctoral program in International Economics and Tourism at the University of Valencia. The research was supervised by Dr. José Manuel Pastor Monsálvez, professor of Economic Analysis at the same university.
The evaluation panel was composed of prominent academics from the fields of economics and education, and awarded the thesis the grade of Summa Cum Laude, the highest academic distinction.
The thesis provides an in-depth analysis of the role played by the Chilean university system in the country's socioeconomic development. Using a multidimensional approach, the study evaluates everything from the generation of human capital and the employability of graduates to the direct and indirect economic impact of university spending and the role of universities as drivers of social mobility and cultural cohesion.
Among the most relevant findings, the research shows that Chilean universities not only contribute significantly to economic growth through education and research, but also promote equal opportunities, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and citizen well-being. In addition, the study quantifies the economic impact of universities in terms of production, income, and employment, demonstrating positive returns for both individuals and the country as a whole.
This thesis exemplifies how academic research can contribute to the design of more efficient and equitable public policies, and underscores the importance of strengthening the link between higher education and sustainable development.
